Chapter 8
Anakin tugged at his collar slightly and asked in a mildly petulant tone "Do I have to wear this? I look ridiculous!". Padme smiled brightly and said "But you look so handsome Ani!". Anakin and Padme walked into the Aldeeranian Embassy where Bail Organa waited to greet them "Anakin! I'm pleased you decided to take part in our efforts, rest assured we will not keep you away from Tatooine for too long.". Anakin replied "Thank you Senator, I do have to get back in the next few days, I'm buying a private hangar to expand my business.". Bail led them into a conference room where several individuals waited, including Garm Bel Iblis and Mon Mothma. Bel Iblis walked straight up to them and said "Nice to see you both again. Padme, how did you manage to recruit your husband into our little endevour?". Padme actually smirked and said "It helps when you tell him that he actually brings hope without even noticing.". Bail said in a loud voice "Can we take our seats please? We have something important to discuss.". Once everyone was seated, Bail began to speak "Welcome everyone. As you can see, we have a new member to welcome into our ranks. This is Anakin Skywalker, although one of the youngest people in the room, I believe he could be of great help in our first project.". Bel Iblis asked "What is our first project Bail?". Bail with a solemn expression said "Ending slavery...PERMANENTLY! That is part of the reason why I went to the trouble of recruiting Anakin. His wealth and influence in the Outer Rim can be a huge asset. Anakin, do you have any ideas to help things along?". Anakin stood and said "First of all, thank you for bringing me in on this. As for ideas, I do have one. Mon Mothma asked "What do you suggest?". Anakin answered "I don't know how it works on other planets, but on Tatooine, slaves have an explosive implanted in their bodies. If a slave tries to escape, the owner can flip a switch and you can guess the rest. What if we found someone who could disable those explosives? All at once, and make sure the slaves know that its safe to escape. Or rebel?"
Bail after listening to Anakin's words said "That is an intriguing idea, but what is to stop slavers simply rounding up more people?". Anakin replied "I'm not sure yet, but I do know this. I have arguably the most profitable legitimate business on Tatooine, I do not keep slaves. All my employees are paid fairly for their work. In other words, its more profitable to have loyal employees than slaves. Especially since even if you are a slave owner, you still have to feed them, cloth and house them, which costs just as much as if you pay them.". Bel Iblis spoke up saying "Thats the solution! We find a way to make slavery a bad idea from economic point of view!". Padme whispered in Anakin's ear "Told you that you had some good ideas". Bail said "Very well. Anakin? Do you know of any business owners on Tatooine who are willing to help make this happen?". Anakin responded "Start with moisture farms, my stepfather Cliegg, hes something of community leader on the Great Cholt Salt Flat, if we manage to get him on side, we have a goodly portion of Tatooines moisture farmers willing to listen. Cliegg is virulently anti-slavery, so it won't be hard. I can approach him when I return to Tatooine.". Bail said "Thank you Anakin, get in touch with your wife and get her to pass it to me when you do. On that note, let us all adjourn, after all, we still have jobs to do."
Anakin and Padme returned to the penthouse. Anakin said quietly "If I am going to put some wheels in motion, I will need to leave in the morning.". Padme answered "I know, but we still have tonight..."
The next morning, Anakin was about to go to the comm terminal to book a flight, when Padme grabbed his hand and said "Follow me". They caught an air taxi to a private spaceport. Padme led Anakin into a small hanger where a surprise waited for him. It was a J-type 327 Nubian starship. Padme saw the look of shock on Anakins face and said "I contacted Queen Jamilla, she was on the verge of having it decommisioned. When I mentioned your interest, she insisted that you have it.". Anakin wrapped Padme in an enormous hug and said "Thank you Padme, thank you so much!". "Anakin...can't...breath!". Anakin relaxed his hug and said "Sorry, I am just really stoked, is it spaceworthy?". Padme chuckled and said "How do you think it got here?". Anakin brought Padme in for a goodbye kiss and said "I'll contact you when I get back. Once this baby is up to the spec I want it at, I want you to book your annual holidays so we can take a proper honeymoon!"